Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes in the country’s largest and longest-running clam chowder competition.

Every year, talented chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the glory of the Best Clam Chowder on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In 2018, the competition is now a two-day event. You’ll get to option to taste competitor’s chowders from both Manhattan and Boston style chowders.

More than just a culinary competition, the fun event has featured participants dressed as scuba divers, mermaids, and even a Clam Superhero.

Awards will be given for Best Clam Chowder in each category, plus People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Most Original Booth. Awards include plaques, cash prizes, round-trip airfare courtesy of United Airlines, and bragging rights.